CHAPTER THIRTEEN ~ Just
"And Aya said to Rado; 'Go forth and find justice!', knowing that justice was the most difficult thing to find."
Arowen Goddess scriptures 13;24;1
CY 239
^~*~^

Two were left at the breakfast table. Harper wasn't hungry, but stayed seated, seeing as his head was swimming, and standing would probably be a bad idea. Trance had left for the halls with the others, and only Tyr remained.

"Presuming this investigation goes well, we will be returning to Andromeda soon," Tyr said, stating the obvious. Harper let him continue, guessing he had more to say. Tyr didn't say anything unless it was important. Or mean.

"While I can hardly wait to return to the incessant mortal danger that comes with being on that ship, I am rather more concerned with the danger that you might cause."

Harper's calm demeanour swiftly changed as a pit of angst began to well up in his gut. "What are you talking about?"

"Don't give me that, I am not as blind as the others," Tyr snapped in anger. Harper was taken aback by his tone.

"If you want to keep the tiniest amount of respect I still have left for you, I suggest you stop your idiotic habit and move on with your life," Tyr continued, in a quieter voice. "I will not risk my life for your stupid mistakes again."

"I don't know what you're talking about," Harper mumbled and got up to leave. Tyr let him go. He didn't plan to go out of his way to help someone who didn't want helping. Besides, it was Harper's weakness almost caused Tyr to lose him life, which was something he did not take kindly to.

"He doesn't know anything, he's just guessing," Lane said as soon as Harper was out of the building. "Still, you better steer clear just in case."

Harper was way ahead of her.

^~*~^

An hour or so later, Tyr joined the rest of the crew five minutes before the verdict was to be announced. Harper acted as though he didn't care about his presence, when in actual fact every glance his way was followed by a manic struggle to uncovering it's real meaning. What were his intentions? Was he going to tell the others?

They filed into the room and sat down. A few others were there; important people mostly. The public weren't allowed to attend verdict readings, they had to wait to hear.

The representatives filed in shortly after and all sat, except S'Ren. S'Ren's voice echoed around the hall and everyone was silent. "During this investigation we have heard and reviewed all the facts and evidence relating the Autriva incident, in which two hundred and six lives were lost."

Dylan and Rommie were used to the formality of these kinds of hearing, but the others shifted uncomfortably while the S'Ren got to the point.

"After careful consideration, it is the opinion of the representatives that the incident in question was a tragic accident which stemmed from tragic circumstances," S'Ren continued.

*So far, so good* Dylan thought, but his breath was still held.

"The Andromeda Ascendant is a powerful symbol of peace within the Commonwealth, and the good she and her crew have strived to achieve must continue."

A collective sigh of relief sounded as everyone finally let out the breaths they were holding.

"Captain Hunt, the Andromeda has had a thorough examination and was found to be in perfect working condition. She is ready to depart when you and your crew are. Thank-you for your co-operation in this investigation, and may we all remember the lives that were lost, so that more may never have to be lost again."

That was it, it was all over. The representatives left the room and the tense knots in Dylan's stomach unwound.

"We're going home," Beka smiled.

Even Tyr, in his special way, was pleased that they could finally get on with their lives. "It's about time."

^~*~^

Alarik left the other representatives quickly after they left the hall. He had been told to deliver the verdict as soon as it was announced, and the people who wanted to know weren't big on lateness. He soon arrived at the arranged meeting place where Calles was waiting with anticipation.

"Alarik, tell me, what was it? What was the verdict?" she said as soon as she spotted him.

"I'm sorry. The entire council voted against me, there was nothing I could do," Alarik told him fearfully. Calles' friends had been less than kind to him before when they had threatened him into being their spy.

"It was declared an accident...." Calles breathed as her heart sunk. "And the Andromeda? She'll continue to serve the Commonwealth?" Calles demanded answers.

"Yes, she and her crew leave later today," Alarik replied regretfully.

Calles was horrified. How could the council be so blind? An entire colony was destroyed and the ship and crew responsible get off scot-free? Was there no justice left in the universe?

"I must leave, if I am caught here the ramifications could be dire," Alarik said after a few moments of silence had passed.

"Go, you have served your purpose," Calles dismissed. She had more important things on her mind. She had hoped against hope that the back-up plan didn't have to go ahead, but it looked like there was no other choice. Justice had to be served.

^~*~^

Onboard Andromeda, four lay in wait while the rest of the engineering teams left the ship.

"All firewalls are in place, every possibility is covered."

"Any word from Arvath yet?"

"Not yet, but the engineering teams are leaving, so a decision must have been made."

Just then the communicator whirled into action, bleeping urgently.

"Red leader, this is Arvath."

"This is Red leader, awaiting orders."

"Justice has failed. You are to proceed with the plan. Hope rests with you."

The communicator died once again and the four were left with more responsibility than they cared to comprehend.

^~*~^
End of chapter thirteen
Next chapter: No Rest